More than £15,000 has been raised in four days through GoFundMe pages set up in memory of three of the four men who died in a crash in Huyton in the early hours of July 24.
Jack Diggle, 23, Ben Dooley, 23, and Craig Shackleton-Brady, 26, were killed alongside 24-year-old Andrew Roberts when the black Cupra they were travelling in left the road and hit a lamppost. A 27-year-old man who was a passenger remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Tributes to the victims
Hundreds of emotional tributes have been paid to the four men in the days since the crash.
A tribute to Jack described him as “kind, quiet, thoughtful, and loving” and loved by his family. His mother said: “Jack and I went out for a meal together on Thursday. It was such a lovely time, just mother and son, enjoying each other's company. Little did I know that it would be the last time we would spend together. The loss of Jack has left a hole in our lives and in our hearts that can never be filled. We will carry him with us every day and miss him for the rest of our lives. Our Jack, our gentle giant, we love you beyond words and will love you forever. Rest peacefully, son.”
Andrew Roberts’ family said they are at a “complete loss for words”. A tribute read: “Our beautiful Andrew. Your heart is full of kindness and that's why so many people love you. Our worlds are shattered, and we just keep waiting for you to come through the door saying this is all a dream, but it's never going to come. Life can change in an instant, and Andrew's passing is a painful reminder of how precious every moment really is. Although his time with us was short, the memories he left us will last us all a lifetime. We love you so much our Andrew/Pip as many knew him. See you soon, our boy watches over us forever.”
Ben Dooley’s mother Kerry said: “My life is ripped apart and I don't know how I will do life without you. We did everything together. I'm waiting for you to walk through the door and say 'you OK mum'. You was the kindest person I knew with a heart of gold. Do anything for anyone. Loved by everyone who met you. I can't describe how much I will miss you, it hurts so much. Fly high my baby boy. I love you.”
Craig Shackleton-Brady’s partner Ellie Jones, 28, shared his final words: “The last thing he said to me was, 'I love you, don't get a cob on, I'll be home soon'. He was eating a burger from Champions, his favourite place, and he said, 'I'll be back for that later'.” She has two young children with Craig, Phoebe, five, and Archie, three, and told them their dad had gone to look after her in heaven. “The kids said he's the brightest star in the sky. We'd always say to each other, 'I love you to the moon and stars'.”
Memorial at the scene
Tributes have continued to grow at the scene of the crash. A tree became a shrine on Sunday, with dozens of bouquets of flowers placed around its trunk, along with pictures and handwritten messages. More flowers, candles, and balloons have since been added. One message read: “Rest in peace you beautiful souls.”
